ANDOVER Diamonds picked up where they left off last season, recording a 2-0 away victory against Newbury and Thatcham Vets.

Diamonds, who ran out Wessex Master League champions last year, kicked off their new campaign with a League Cup match against the Newbury and Thatcham Vets, who were relegated to Division 2 at the end of the season.

Diamonds, who failed to complete a double after losing out in the final of the League Cup last year, showed their intent from the off, starting brightly and not letting the home side settle.

After four minutes the away side’s effort paid off as Richard Romer-Lee scored Diamond’s first goal of the season.

Romer-Lee pounced on a poorly cleared ball from the Newbury and Thatcham keeper and calmly hit it past the stranded goalie.

Newbury tried to compose themselves after this setback but Diamonds were determined that they would be controlling play.

They continued to push forward and after 28 minutes Richard Hoo set up Mike Boyne who let loose a rasping shot which left the Newbury keeper stranded and Diamonds two goals up.

The second half saw Diamonds take control again leaving the home side chasing shadows.

Diamonds’ keeper, Ian Burnham, did just enough to keep Newbury out without having to stretch himself unduly and that seemed to be the case right through the team as everybody seemed to be playing well within themselves.

Diamonds celebrated as the final whistle blew and look good value again for this season.